Terme

Five years ago we were in the mountains in New Mexico.  We'd taken a family day away from the extended Keleher family to get some time for ourselves.  We hiked around Tent Rocks in the afternoon, and then we drove to the hot springs in the Jemez Mountains.   It was dark, cold, scary.  Connor was afraid of bears.  We couldn't see our way too well.  Mary was cold.  I was both.  But we trudged on.  When we finally made it up to the spring, everyone went in except for Connor and me.  The possible bears, the cold, the dark -- he couldn't be persuaded to go in.  We'll be support crew, I told him.  We'd be in charge of getting towels ready.  I was disappointed not to go in, but relieved, too.  I really don't like being cold.  The other kids and Daniel revelled in the hot water, encouraged us to come in, but Connor stayed firm in staying out.

It's five years later.  I've told the kids about the hot springs here in Viterbo, the terme.  There are fancy ones, and then there are free ones a ten minute drive from our house.  After an SYA gathering, we head to the free terme.  Connor tells us, "This time I'm going in.  Last time Mom and I were the helpers."

This time it's not dark yet (but it is by the time we leave), there are no bears, the air is cool, but it's not late November in the mountains in New Mexico.  It's 7:30pm, there are other people around, and  it's late August in Italy.

Connor is the first one in.  When I walk up, he is laughing and ducking in and out of the water.   One pool is so hot I can barely put my feet in, but I do anyway thinking that there might be healing qualities here (unlike Connor, I don't get in...feeling a fever I've had all day).  Daniel immerses himself in this hottest pool.  Connor and Hannah head back to the first pool.  At 9pm, I need to leave to get to bed.  We corral the kids.

Connor is the last one out.